Howe, Louis McHenry

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Howe, Louis McHenry, 1871–1936, American journalist and political adviser to Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, b. Indianapolis, Ind. He wrote about politics for several newspapers, then became involved in New York politics. In 1912 he became campaign manager for Franklin's anti–Tammany Hall bid for reelection to the New York senate. Howe served as a top adviser to Roosevelt when he was secretary of the navy (1913–20), and then managed Roosevelt's 1920 unsuccessful vice-presidential bid. In 1921, after Roosevelt was stricken with polio, Howe worked with Eleanor to develop her public-speaking and political skills as she became her husband's public face. He also wrote articles under Franklin's byline and helped orchestrate his public appearances and his successful 1928 New York gubernatorial campaign. After working to secure the 1932 Democratic presidential nomination for Franklin, he served in the White House as an adviser to both Roosevelts, helping especially Eleanor adjust to public life and develop an active public role.